CHAPTER30
CONRAD
Conrad thoughtthat working with Roger and Wyndham had been enjoyable before.But it turned out to be nowhere near as fun as when Sage joined.This was partly because Conrad’s magic was so much more powerful when he cast along with Sage.He couldn’t understand it, but he didn’t entirely mind the mystery of it either.He knew it wasn’t because Sage was fae; Wyndham was fae and Conrad’s spells had not turned out like that with him.Conrad privately liked that Sage was the one who had such an effect.Considering his confession the night before, it felt right that Sage would get to be a part of something like this, to prove in a tangible way that he was more than how he thought of himself—even down to his magic.
Conrad found it all a good deal more fun too because he’d come to realize that he missed Sage when they were split up for a day.It was nice to have him by his side at the desk.It was nice to see him using magic, for all that Conrad couldn’t feel it, he could see it.And he liked having Sage be a part of his Council work, even to a degree.A selfish part of him hoped that it would mean he’d get to see Sage more when they returned to London.
The levitation spell was not the only point of success.With Roger and Wyndham’s help, Conrad and Sage performed a breeze spell, a cleaning spell, and even a fire spell.Conrad felt some slight disappointment at not being able to feel any of the magic happening before him, as the others could.But he could tell that the magic was sharper and more powerful.All of his spells seemed bolder than when he did them alone.It was a heady feeling.
They worked all day and by the time dinner was called, Conrad was torn between being ready for a break and wanting to work into the night.Roger chuckled at his expression as they filed out of the study.“I know the feeling,” he said.“It is exhilarating working with another person.”
Conrad grinned and glanced at Sage, reaching for his hand.“It is.I’ve never known anything like it.I could do this for days.”
Sage wrinkled his nose.“Considering how much work you need to do for every spell, I cannot imagine you continuing longer.You’d collapse.”
Conrad squeezed his hand.“You’re right.It’s probably just as well that we’re pausing, isn’t it?”
Sage nodded.“You missed lunch.”
Conrad couldn’t hide the smile that took over his face.They had all missed lunch, but Sage was only thinking of him.“It wouldn’t be the first time I missed a meal for work.”
That set Sage’s mouth into a grim line.“Yes, well, we’ve already established that you haven’t been properly cared for in the past.There’s no need to continue that pattern now.”
Warmth blossomed in Conrad’s chest at the words.He half wished they were alone so he could pull Sage close and discover the meaning behind the words.Did Sage intend to continue seeing him, looking after him, caring for him after the party was over?Since he couldn’t ask, he tried for levity.“My hero.”
Sage snorted and rolled his eyes.Roger and Wyndham exchanged a look that was undeniably smug.
Dinner was a lively affair.Roger and Conrad both answered a multitude of questions regarding what had kept them in the study for two days straight.Wyndham chimed in a fair amount, but Sage remained tight-lipped, only responding when he was directly asked a question.Conrad had no idea why he was still uncomfortable about the situation, but he took care to step in and answer for Sage whenever possible.He could feel Sage relax beside him when the attention was effectively deflected, but Conrad didn’t let him off the hook entirely—he was eloquent in how impressed he was by Sage’s magic and his impact on Conrad’s magic.Thankfully, most of the people at the table seemed unsurprised by this, although there were more knowing looks exchanged that made Conrad certain he was missing some sort of valuable information.
The conversation flowed to how some of the other pairs had found their spells affected by working with their spouse.It made Conrad feel as if he was getting closer to the mystery, but just barely out of his grasp.He didn’t dare ask though, for fear of making Sage go tense again.He was relaxed now that the focus had moved on to others.
When they gathered in the sitting room for the promised game, Sage took a seat on a settee, and pulled Conrad to his side.Conrad felt ready to burst with pride at seeing Sage sitting amongst the group.As soon as everyone settled down, Harriet arched an eyebrow and held her book up.
“I don’t think I need to give the usual warning here,” she said.
“No,” Wyndham agreed.“We all know you’ve picked the most salacious option possible.We have all brought our figurative smelling salts.”He wrapped an arm around Roger’s shoulders as if to prove the point.
Harriet laughed, straightened, and then cleared her throat performatively.
“We are feeling magnanimous indeed,
For here are two hints for the first word of three:
Think first of a point of a dagger or sword,
If that does not suit, imagine pouring something onto the floor.
But there is one item that you need not fear should fall,
It is of soft and heavy drape, be it used on rod, or dress, or curtain call.”
“That rhyming should please you, Keelan,” Emrys said, laughing.
Keelan tilted his chin up.“The rhyming was sufficient, but the rhythm was—” The other man cajoled him teasingly.
“Did I miss something?”Lady Imogen asked.“There are three words, but I only heard two hints.Well, two hints for one word, and one hint for another.What of the third word?”
“Perhaps the third word is simple enough that we don’t need a hint,” Fern offered.
